$15 million Cherbourg wastewater treatment plant opens

A new $15 million wastewater treatment plant has opened in Cherbourg, one of Queensland’s largest Indigenous communities.

The new plant includes a series of ponds on a site away from the township plus new pump stations, infrastructure and irrigation systems.

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham, said the new infrastructure was designed to provide for the needs of the community for the next 50 years.

“This new treatment plant means the local Cherbourg community now has a low-maintenance and long-lasting wastewater solution,” Dr Lynham said.

“It not only delivers on improving the health of the local community, but during its construction, it secured 2500 hours of work and training for local Indigenous workers.”

Minister for Local Government, Stirling Hinchliffe, said the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council staff was also being trained to maintain the facility, securing a long-term future for the infrastructure and making Cherbourg a more liveable community.

“This is a great example of the state and local governments working closely together in the best interests of the local community,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The $15 million funding for the wastewater treatment plant is complemented by up to $3.9 million from the Indigenous Councils Critical Infrastructure Program to deliver infrastructure upgrades that will also further improve water quality.”

Cherbourg Shire Mayor, Arnold Murray, said together these projects would ensure the town is a better place to live.

“The demand for water is only going to increase and these projects will also help provide water source options for agriculture,” Mr Murray said.

“The projects are tailor-made for the local communities’ needs, and I want to thank the State Government for funding this vital infrastructure for my community.”